How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida?

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Florida, you might be wondering how much time you really have to take legal action. Life gets busy—doctor’s visits, work, insurance calls—it’s easy to let time slip by. But when it comes to personal injury lawsuits, timing is everything.

Florida’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

As of 2023, Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That’s a recent change—before that, it used to be four years. So if you’ve been operating on old info, now’s the time to update your calendar.

Miss that two-year deadline? You could lose your right to sue entirely, no matter how strong your case is.

Why That Clock Starts Ticking Right Away

It doesn’t matter if you’re still in recovery or waiting on a slow insurance process—the legal clock starts the day your car accident in Florida happens. And while two years might sound like plenty of time, it can go fast. Gathering medical records, tracking down witnesses, reviewing police reports—it all takes time, and the sooner you start, the better.

Are There Exceptions?

There are a few rare situations where the timeline might be extended. For example, if the injured person is a minor or mentally incapacitated, or if the at-fault party leaves the state for an extended period. But don’t count on these applying to your case—most folks fall squarely within the standard two-year rule.

Don’t Let Delay Cost You

Waiting too long doesn’t just risk missing the deadline—it also weakens your case. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses forget details. Insurance companies get bolder with lowball offers. The earlier you involve someone who understands the process, the stronger your position becomes.

Attorney Kevin Sullivan has helped clients across Florida file personal injury claims on time, with the right documentation and a clear plan. If you were injured in a car accident in Florida, even if it wasn’t your fault, make sure you don’t wait until it’s too late.

Call (813) 598-4868 to get answers, not deadlines.

This post was written by a professional at Kevin L. Sullivan II. Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II is your personal injury attorney Gibsonton FL, and the best personal injury attorney near you for LeavenLaw. Kevin is proud to serve Florida accident victims that have been injured in auto accidents, motorcycle accident, slip and falls or have suffered any other type of injury caused by negligence. Kevin offers a FREE no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim. There are NO upfront fees or costs and if he does not collect for you, you do not owe him anything.